New Zealand’s fast bowler, Will O’Rourke, will not participate in the forthcoming home series against India as he continues to mend injuries sustained to his left hamstring and calf. The decision to rest O’Rourke is a preventive one, with an eye on the important four-Test series against Australia scheduled for December and January.
“It’s obviously disappointing for Will to have to miss such a marquee tour at home against India,” shared New Zealand head coach Rob Walter. “He was set to feature in both the ODI and Test series, but following subsequent discussions, we all agreed it was best for him to take some more time to rehabilitate both injuries and safely build up his bowling loads. Our pace bowling resources will be critical over the next few months, so we’re taking a conservative approach to Will’s return to ensure he’s fully fit before he takes the field again.”
O’Rourke, aged 25, has recently been beset by a series of injuries. He made a comeback in April during the white-ball tour in Bangladesh after a seven-month hiatus due to a back stress fracture. However, his return was short-lived as he tore his hamstring during the final day of the third Test in Nottingham against England in June. This was compounded by a calf strain during training in August, prolonging his absence from competitive cricket.
Coach Walter expressed hope for O’Rourke’s return, saying, “Ideally he’ll be able to return for Canterbury in the Plunket Shield in late December, and in a perfect world he’ll be ready to go for the opening Test against Australia in Perth on December 9.”
With a history marked by injuries, O’Rourke’s absence will be a blow for the New Zealand squad as they prepare for a packed series against India. Starting with five T20 Internationals from October 22 to November 1, the series will then move on to five One Day Internationals from November 4 to 15, concluding with two Test matches, the first in Wellington from November 19 to 23, and the second in Christchurch from November 27 to December 1. New Zealand is expected to name their squad for the India series this Sunday.
